Summary
The BMW iX1 is a compact all-electric SUV and the new lead-in model in BMW’s electrified ‘i’ family, which became available to order in the UK in Autumn 2022.
Built on the same basic platform as the current BMW 1 Series, many British reviewers have highlighted the iX1 as the best choice in the new third-generation X1 SUV range – praised for its pace and acceleration, as well as its spacious upmarket interior that is fitted with the brand’s latest user-friendly on-board tech.
“The BMW iX1 is perhaps the ultimate electric family SUV”, Heycar comments, pointing to the car’s “sharp” exterior looks and “stunning” interior design. Despite being the smallest SUV in BMW’s line-up, Carbuyer says that the iX1 is “surprisingly roomy”, with “enough space between the seats that kids might not be able to kick your seatbacks.”
Driving Electric adds that the BMW has more boot space than bigger alternatives like the Nissan Ariya and Toyota bZ4X, but warns buyers that the iX1’s pricing is certainly steep. The electric SUV’s closest upmarket competitors are the Audi Q4 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQA, which are several thousand pounds cheaper and come with longer battery ranges.
As of March 2023, the BMW iX1 holds an Expert Rating of 70%, based on 15 reviews published by the UK motoring media. This is a brand new model, and therefore, we expect to see many more new and updated reviews published in coming months once the car reaches the UK, which could push the rating up or down by a few points.
BMW iX1 highlights
- Sharp performance
- Spacious and well-equipped cabin
- Quiet and easy to drive
- Attractive exterior styling
- Low running costs
BMW iX1 lowlights
- Rather firm ride comfort
- Heavy weight can be felt in the corners
- Expensive, base price and up
- Only one powertrain on offer
- So-so battery range
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £52,255 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“While not as innovative as the i3 it indirectly replaces, the BMW iX1 is a very well-put-together EV with an excellent powertrain and a suitably premium-feeling cabin that helps justify some strong pricing.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“You lose next to no boot capacity by choosing the electric version, but the X1’s sliding rear seats aren’t available on the iX1 and the EV loses a little bit of rear leg room.” (Illya Verpraet)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Compare the BMW iX1 to its closest competitors – the Mercedes EQA and Audi Q4 e-Tron – and it has them both licked. So, despite looking resolutely normal, the iX1 manages to inject a bit of spice into electric crossover ownership, while managing to feel like more of a premium product.” (Jake Groves)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.6 / 10
“While it doesn’t feel as futuristic as some EVs, the BMW iX1 should slot easily into the lives of SUV buyers”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“With iX-style driving dynamics, the iX1 is well-balanced and has a premium feel. xLine has more than enough equipment for everything you need.” (Mat Watson)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW iX1 offers power, refinement and reasonable practicality, making it a solid option for buyers after an electric SUV.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s another electric SUV from BMW, but the iX1 is the sweetest of the bunch. It’s the cheapest, for starters, kicking off at a mite over £52,000. It also offers four-wheel-drive, something the larger and more expensive iX3 currently doesn’t.”
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Model reviewed: xDrive30
Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW iX1 brings BMW all-electric SUV motoring to more of a mass audience than the BMW iX3 or the BMW iX, but it still has all the qualities that you would expect from a BMW.” (Paul Clarke)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW iX1 is perhaps the ultimate electric family SUV. It looks sharp, is easy to drive and has a stunning interior – while it’s also satisfyingly normal, which means it won’t feel like a shock to the system when you trade in your Nissan Qashqai.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“We’ve sampled the new BMW iX1 in prototype form and reckon it has all the ingredients to create a buzz in the world of electric SUVs.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Overall, the BMW iX1 is a very recommendable electric family SUV. The range and efficiency are decent, and practicality is good compared to most of its rivals. Most of all, the interior finish and tech are really excellent, so if you want a useful family car that’s got serious, high-end executive classiness, this is a great option.” (Vicky Parrott)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Rapid, fashionable and crying out for a cheaper version.” (Murray Scullion)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“It drives like an arcade game and is practical inside, but wait until you see the price.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The electric iX1 version really grabs attention, offering the most refinement and tax-efficiency while wiping the floor with competitors from Mercedes and Volvo.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW iX1 is a practical choice and its performance is impressive. Sadly, it’s let down by an overly firm ride and a high price – although cheaper variants will be offered in the future.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
As of March 2023, the BMW iX1 has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of March 2023, the BMW iX1 has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
The BMW iX1 is a brand-new model, so we don’t have enough reliability data on the SUV to generate a reliability rating as of yet.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively for us using warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the iX1, we’ll publish the score here.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the BMW iX1, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi Q4 e-tron | BMW iX3 | DS 3 Crossback E-Tense | Hyundai Kona Electric | Kia Niro EV | Kia EV6 | Lexus UX Electric | Mazda MX-30 | Mercedes-Benz EQA | Nissan Ariya | Peugeot e-2008 | Toyota bZ4X | Volvo XC40 Recharge
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